Rep. Stephen Kinsey

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study on the management, structure, and finances of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. The study will examine the association's financial records, including bank accounts and tax filings, and review its competition classification formula. It also requires the committee to protect privileged legal communications during the investigation and limits PIAA's cooperation costs to $25,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 30, 2024, as "Mayor Elizabeth 'Libby' White Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the life and legacy of the late Doylestown mayor. The resolution recognizes White's contributions as the borough's first female mayor, highlighting her work in community initiatives like the "Clean and Green" project and her role in establishing regional police and courthouse facilities. By officially setting aside this specific date, the legislation aims to celebrate her service and encourage others to emulate her humility and dedication to their communities.

Maddy summaryThis Pennsylvania bill updates a 19th-century law to allow county recorders of deeds to officially file discharge papers for honorably discharged military personnel. The legislation defines "discharge" to include various forms of separation documents, such as DD Form 214, for individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces or reserve components. Under the new rules, recorders may charge a fifty-cent fee for recording these documents, but the records must remain confidential and only accessible to the veteran, their family, or specific government and judicial entities. Additionally, the bill repeals the original 1868 statute while ensuring that any ongoing administrative actions under the old law can continue under the new framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to explicitly include natural hair braiders in its licensing requirements. It mandates that individuals performing natural hair braiding must obtain a cosmetology license and work only in licensed salons, while also prohibiting the rental of booths within those establishments. The legislation clarifies that these rules apply solely to those whose business is dedicated to braiding and does not affect emergency services, medical professionals, or licensed barbers. Additionally, the bill establishes specific eligibility criteria for taking the required examination and outlines the fees and renewal processes for these new licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Pennsylvania's laws governing wholesale prescription drug distributors by clarifying definitions and adjusting licensing requirements. It introduces a new category for "virtual manufacturers," which are companies that approve and label drugs but do not physically store them within the state. To obtain a license, applicants must now provide proof of business registration and post a surety bond of at least $25,000, though this amount can be raised to $100,000 for larger operations. The law also exempts virtual manufacturers from physical storage rules at their main offices but requires them to ensure that any third-party facilities storing their products meet all safety and recordkeeping standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance companies and managed care plans in Pennsylvania to cover speech therapy for both childhood and neurological stuttering. It mandates that these plans provide unlimited coverage for both habilitative and rehabilitative treatments without restrictions on the number of visits, prior authorization, or specific disease types. The law also ensures that coverage includes both in-person sessions and telehealth services, while excluding school-based therapy solely based on an individualized education program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to update regulations for parking access aisles reserved for individuals with disabilities. It requires the Department of Labor and Industry to set rules mandating that new access aisles be at least 96 inches wide. Additionally, the bill specifies that existing aisles narrower than 96 inches must be widened to that standard whenever the parking lot undergoes routine relining. These changes directly affect parking lot owners, municipalities, and contractors responsible for building and maintaining accessible parking spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 1, 2024, as "Polish Resistance in World War II Commemoration Day" within the state of Pennsylvania. The legislation honors the bravery of Polish soldiers and civilians who fought against German forces during the war, particularly highlighting the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. It serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the sacrifices made by Polish Americans and the broader Allied effort, noting that Luzerne County has a significant population with Polish heritage. As a commemorative resolution, the bill does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead establishes an official date for public remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates October 6, 2024, as "German American Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's historical connection to German immigrants and their descendants. The legislation highlights key milestones, such as the founding of Germantown in 1683 and the significant role German ancestry plays in the Commonwealth's population and culture. By formally recognizing this date, the House aims to celebrate the enduring relationship between Pennsylvania and Germany, which is supported by strong cultural ties and economic partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to update the list of protected characteristics, explicitly adding sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, handicap, disability, and the use of support animals to existing categories like race and age. The legislation directly affects employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, and providers of housing and public accommodations by clarifying that discrimination based on these new and existing traits is unlawful. It reinforces the state's policy of ensuring equal opportunity and mandates that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforce these protections through established procedures and penalties. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect religious exercise while maintaining the commission's powers and duties to prevent prejudice and handle complaints.